WATCH: no-cost violin classes for students are changing lives in Cully

May 12, 2021

A partnership between Bienestar de la Familia and Metropolitan Youth Symphony is bringing the gift of music to children in NE Portland’s Cully community. In a year turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, the no-cost violin program has been a bright spot. Even when they had to practice online after in-person gatherings were prohibited due to the health crisis. 

Nallely, age 12, is one of those students. For her, music is a gift. She enjoys playing violin for her parents in their living room. And she loves the challenge of learning a new instrument. She’s grateful to Bienestar and Metropolitan Youth Symphony for helping her access music lessons which otherwise would not be affordable. 

“When I was a little younger and I didn’t know violin,  I would see violin as a very easy instrument and fun to do but it’s a lot of practice,” Nallely said. “I know it’s very hard to get into violin lessons because it costs money and sometimes some families just can’t afford it.”

In March 2020, Nallely and her classmates had to practice virtually after Oregonians were encouraged to physically distance for community health and safety. The program allowed students to take equipment home with them. Bienestar even helped subsidize internet service for families who did not have access at home.

“Especially during this pandemic, where people were secluded, where kids and families were inside their apartments, really music was a great escape,” said Julio Maldonado, who coordinates the program at Bienestar de la Familia. 

Eventually, the program found a way to hold in-person practices while adhering to CDC guidelines. For weeks now, they’ve been practicing outdoors at Bienestar, weather permitting. They wear masks at all times, sanitize and disinfect regularly, and keep at least six feet apart. While practices look different at the moment, staff and participants say they’re thrilled to learn in person again.

Meanwhile, Nallely says she’s grateful for the opportunity to continue learning an instrument. She thinks everyone should have the same opportunity. Now that practices are being held in person again, she looks forward to improving her skills and exploring new possibilities with violin.  

“I think everybody should be able to learn an instrument. I think I would tell them to practice a lot and even if you struggle, to keep going, because not everything is easy,” Nallely said.